1856 Wagner M\'Guigan Lithograph Columbia Encourage American Arts Philadelphia For Sale

A striking piece of mid-19th-century American printing history, the allegorical image depicts Columbia draped in the American flag, crowned with laurel and holding a sword, accompanied by an American eagle and shield. Behind her is a bust of Alois Senefelder, inventor of lithography, while an artist\'s palette, brushes, compass and rolls of paper appear below. A banner boldly proclaims “ENCOURAGE AMERICAN ARTS!”

The Library Company of Philadelphia identifies the image as an advertisement for Wagner & M\'Guigan\'s Lithographic & Steam Power Printing Establishment, Athenian Building, Franklin Place, and records its publication in McElroy\'s Philadelphia Directory for 1856, published by Edward C. & John offerdle. Thomas Wagner and James M\'Guigan operated their Philadelphia lithographic studio in partnership from 1846–1858.

The American Antiquarian Society also discusses this image as an example of mid-19th-century American lithography and patriotic imagery.Measures approximately 5.25 x 6.75 inches. Strong original color with general age toning and wear, including staining along the upper edge, minor corner/edge wear and evidence of previous mounting on the reverse. “1856” written in period/later manuscript on reverse.

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